These hospitals are the worst in GA, new federal data shows. See if yours is listed
Millions of Georgia residents visit hospitals every year, from routine emergencies to life-saving surgeries. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that Georgia hospitals deliver more than $1.5 billion in community support annually, and the choice of hospital can be a major determinant of health and safety.
This hefty number underscores why the choice of hospital really counts. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) recently released the Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for healthcare facilities in the US.
What do the ratings measure?
Of all the hospitals in Georgia, these 11 hospitals received a one-star overall review, which is based on how well a hospital performs across several different areas.
- Treating a heart attack and pneumonia
- Readmission rates
- Safety of care
Patients also rated their experience in the hospital after being discharged. Recent patients were asked about a few important topics.
- How well nurses and doctors communicated
- How responsive staff were to their needs
- The cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment.
The worst rated hospitals in GA
Only about 6% of hospitals nationwide earn the lowest one-star designation.
The following facilities are among those with the lowest overall ratings:
Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center - Rome
- Overall rating: 1 star
- Patient survey rating: 3 stars
Emory Decatur Hospital - Decatur
- Overall rating: 1 star
- Patient survey rating: 2 stars
Memorial Hospital and Manor - Savannah
- Overall rating: 1 star
- Patient survey rating: 2 stars
Navicent Health Baldwin - Milledgeville
- Overall rating: 1 star
- Patient survey rating: 2 stars
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center - Americus
- Overall rating: 1 star
- Patient survey rating: 3 stars
Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown - Columbus
- Overall rating: 1 star
- Patient survey rating: 3 stars
Piedmont Eastside Medical Center - Snellville
- Overall rating: 1 star
- Patient survey rating: 2 stars
Southeast Georgia Health System - Brunswick Campus
- Overall rating: 1 star
- Patient survey rating: 2 stars
Southern Regional Medical Center - Riverdale
- Overall rating: 1 star
- Patient survey rating: star
St Mary’s Hospital - Athens
- Overall rating: 1 star
- Patient survey rating: 3 stars
Wellstar McG Health, Affiliated With Med Col - Augusta
- Overall rating: 1 star
- Patient survey rating: 3 stars
The top 5 best rated hospitals in Georgia
On the flip side, several Georgia hospitals are recognized nationally for delivering high-quality care and patient outcomes.
Adventhealth Murray - Chatsworth
- Overall rating: 5 stars
- Patient survey rating: 4 stars
Houston Healthcare - Perry
- Overall rating: 5 stars
- Patient survey rating: not available
Memorial Health Meadows Hospital - Vidalia
- Overall rating: 5 stars
- Patient survey rating: 5 stars
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin - Dahlonega
- Overall rating: 5 stars
- Patient survey rating: 4 stars
Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside - Columbus
- Overall rating: 5 stars
- Patient survey rating: 4 stars
How are hospitals rated?
Each hospital’s performance is standardized and risk-adjusted so facilities serving more complex populations aren’t unfairly penalized. Hospitals report dozens of measures annually, which are scored and combined into a star rating.
CMS calculates its Overall Hospital Star Ratings using a detailed formula spanning five categories:
- Mortality rates (22% of score)
- Safety of care (22%)
- Readmission rates (22%)
- Patient experience (22%)
- Timely and effective care (12%)
When you’re sick and need medical care, it’s good to know how your local hospital measures up. Georgia’s facilities vary widely from region to region, but, if possible, you should always check the rating before seeking care.
Have you had any experience with any of these hospitals? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.